The measure will allow classroom debates over evolution, permitting discussions of creationism alongside evolutionary teachings about the origins of life. Critics say the law, disparagingly called "The Monkey Bill," will plunge Tennessee back to the divisive days of the notorious Scopes "Monkey Trial’’ in Dayton, Tenn., in 1925.

Gov. Bill Haslam refused Tuesday to sign the bill, saying it would create confusion over schools’ science curriculum. But the bill became law anyway. Haslam said he decided not to use his veto power, because the Legislature had the votes to override a veto. The measure passed by a 3-to-1 margin.

Let's make sure these Tennessee kids don't get accepted to med school. Let 'em sweep a church, all they'll be qualified for.

But it's a blue state, so what'd ya expect?

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2nd of all, if all you believe in is peer-reviewed papers, you won't go very far in life...

The state’s teachers are not allowed to raise alternatives to evolution but, under the new law, would be required to permit discussion of creationism and other beliefs if they are raised in class.

Such discussions would eventually shift to the teacher to raising alternatives to evolution. The bill hasn't been clearly thought through.

I grew up in Tennessee and it is filled with religious nutjobs in the classroom who reject evolution and big bang cosmology, and instead of accepting the facts that go against their religious dogma those nutjobs ignore it. Chances are these 'discussions' will shift to the science teacher leading the discussions, which in turn will be he or she discussing biblical creationism, which in turn leads to the science teacher somehow showing support a scientific theory or scientific myth. Then who are the young minds going to listen too? The science teacher or the science textbooks discussing evolution being taught to them by a teacher who rejects the theory.

Arg, this pisses me off! Way to take a step back Tennessee. Get out of the fucking dark ages.

Here's an idea:

Student: Teacher, I don't get it. I thought god created the heavens and the earth and all its animals and mankind. Teacher: Talk to me after class.

It seems reasonable to me. In the science room, discuss science. It's not that hard. Don't make a law take time away from an actually scientific discussion to talk about a myth.

« Last Edit: April 12, 2012, 05:01:54 PM by Emily »

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"Great moments are born from great opportunities." Herb Brooks

I edit a lot of my posts. The reason being it to add content or to correct grammar/wording. All edits to remove wording get a strike through through the wording.

The article mentioned climate change but will students be allowed to bring up criticisms to all scientific conclusions? Will teachers need to explain that a god doesn't hold the planets in their orbits and so on?

When the only people practicing medicine in TN are foreign doctors from China and India, the people will complain about it. Buddhists and Hindus and Sikhs, oh my! But what do they expect when you are making sure the people growing up in your state are not qualified for science-related careers?

You can't ask educated US people to move to a backward state where their children are not going to get a quality education. We are already educating in the next generation of Asian scientists here because many US kids are not prepared for advanced science curriculums, and somebody needs to be in those university classes. Just wait until this new crop of US ignoramuses tries to compete in the high-tech world.

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When all of Cinderella's finery changed back at midnight, why didn't the shoes disappear? What's up with that?

You can't ask educated US people to move to a backward state where their children are not going to get a quality education. We are already educating in the next generation of Asian scientists here because many US kids are not prepared for advanced science curriculums, and somebody needs to be in those university classes. Just wait until this new crop of US ignoramuses tries to compete in the high-tech world.

They won't allow that to happen. Remember, in a state where evolution doesn't exist, why have an intelligent doctor?

From this law, we can infer a lot of things, but I find it interesting that the GOP governor said he won't sign it, but a GROUP of electorates usurped him. That means the majority of reps in the state like to close themselves off to reality.

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2nd of all, if all you believe in is peer-reviewed papers, you won't go very far in life...

I'm guessing there won't be a lot of foreign exchange students studying for a year in the state of Tenn. It would be interesting to see their faces the 1st time creationism is brought up in biology class.

I was taught Creationism in college. And I was never again the same. Sure, let's teach our kids how we used to live with pet T-Rex's... Creationism is not a science - it's a lame argument to try and save a lot of Christianity. But, wth? I spent plenty of time droning over creationism, and in the end, it made absolutely no sense. I guess we can teach things that make no sense to children, as long as it has quizzes with funny pictures..

Should we define it as an abstract or picasso-style art class? Free the spirits!!

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"If you find yourself reaching for the light, first realize that it has already touched your finger.""If I were your god, I would have no reason for judgement, and you have all told endless lies about me. Wait - you do already. I am not amused by your ignorance, thoughtlessness, and shallow mind."

I was taught Creationism in college. And I was never again the same. Sure, let's teach our kids how we used to live with pet T-Rex's... Creationism is not a science - it's a lame argument to try and save a lot of Christianity. But, wth? I spent plenty of time droning over creationism, and in the end, it made absolutely no sense. I guess we can teach things that make no sense to children, as long as it has quizzes with funny pictures..

Should we define it as an abstract or picasso-style art class? Free the spirits!!

I hope you were at least taught about all the creation myths, and not just one.

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Religion. It's given people hope in a world torn apart by religion." -- Charlie Chaplin

I was taught Creationism in college. And I was never again the same. Sure, let's teach our kids how we used to live with pet T-Rex's... Creationism is not a science - it's a lame argument to try and save a lot of Christianity. But, wth? I spent plenty of time droning over creationism, and in the end, it made absolutely no sense. I guess we can teach things that make no sense to children, as long as it has quizzes with funny pictures..

Should we define it as an abstract or picasso-style art class? Free the spirits!!

I love this! I'm voting for calling it "DaVinci Creation". Shit, as you can tell from my avatar, Jesus wasn't even white. Still, I've heard arguments for creationism where Jeebus rides a dinosaur. For young boys and girls, this makes him COOL! How many other historic personalities do hear about riding a dino, huh? Huh? Not even MOSES had one!

Christianity/creationism has become nothing more than a plush toy that you've convinced yourself is real, can talk, and has a job as a robocop. Just say you believe, then give any qualities to the established characters whenever you want!

You must've gotten drunk as hell just to do the homework on this course, Jeremy. I would've had to too!

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2nd of all, if all you believe in is peer-reviewed papers, you won't go very far in life...

You must've gotten drunk as hell just to do the homework on this course, Jeremy. I would've had to too!

actually, i was getting *stoned. That was my great mistake...

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"If you find yourself reaching for the light, first realize that it has already touched your finger.""If I were your god, I would have no reason for judgement, and you have all told endless lies about me. Wait - you do already. I am not amused by your ignorance, thoughtlessness, and shallow mind."

I was taught Creationism in college. And I was never again the same. Sure, let's teach our kids how we used to live with pet T-Rex's... Creationism is not a science - it's a lame argument to try and save a lot of Christianity. But, wth? I spent plenty of time droning over creationism, and in the end, it made absolutely no sense. I guess we can teach things that make no sense to children, as long as it has quizzes with funny pictures..

Should we define it as an abstract or picasso-style art class? Free the spirits!!

I love this! I'm voting for calling it "DaVinci Creation". Shit, as you can tell from my avatar, Jesus wasn't even white. Still, I've heard arguments for creationism where Jeebus rides a dinosaur. For young boys and girls, this makes him COOL! How many other historic personalities do hear about riding a dino, huh? Huh? Not even MOSES had one!

Christianity/creationism has become nothing more than a plush toy that you've convinced yourself is real, can talk, and has a job as a robocop. Just say you believe, then give any qualities to the established characters whenever you want!

You must've gotten drunk as hell just to do the homework on this course, Jeremy. I would've had to too!

Yes! If we are going to teach Creationism we may as well make things like Fred Flinstone, The Jetsons, and Futurama core curriculum...

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"If you find yourself reaching for the light, first realize that it has already touched your finger.""If I were your god, I would have no reason for judgement, and you have all told endless lies about me. Wait - you do already. I am not amused by your ignorance, thoughtlessness, and shallow mind."